What type of runner are you?

When you read in various statistics, advertisements, trade magazines, and pretty much everywhere that there are only more and more runners in Denmark. Then in our opinion there must be a basis for describing all these runners. It is said that around 1.3 million Danes regularly lace up their running shoes to go for a run, either in the beautiful Danish nature or on a treadmill installed for that purpose..
This means that just over a quarter of Denmark’s population runs (some more often than others).

But who do we meet out on the Danish roads and paths or in the forest when we are out running?

The 5 official running types

There are by definition 5 official running types in Denmark. This division is the more serious and overall review of which running type you could be. Further down in the article you will find more of the specific running types that you encounter around.

The traditional runner

The dedicated runner who loves to run. Lace up your running shoes and go for a run, they see it as a pleasure in itself. It is also this type of runner who loves to be part of the many running events around Denmark (and abroad for that matter)
They see it as part of their intensity to be part of the running community and participate in these events as part of their personal identity.

The Social Runner

It goes without saying. Being a social runner means running in groups. This is where the running clubs have the most members represented. And there are actually not many runners who are registered in an association or club out of the approximately 1.3 million who are said to be runners. If everyone ran in a club, then the running clubs would have glorious days, unfortunately they have not..
But the social runner is also the one who accepts running in a group. It is not the pace that is the focus but rather the really good experience and the opportunity for the social aspect. These are the hardworking runners who are found in this group. These are runners who train 2-3-4 times a week, and cover a good 15 kilometers per week.

The challenge runner

While the previous two groups of runners were mostly aimed at women and men over 40, this group is probably most geared towards runners under 40. The challenge runner is the person, usually under 40, who loves to push themselves and challenge themselves. It can be about running longer, running faster or running more extreme.
This is probably where we can also throw in the so-called “like hunters”. Those who love to share their results, and get likes from others as an approval of their performance. It’s part of their drive.

The self-organizing runner

Here we have all those runners who don’t see the big social aspect in running. It’s hard and fast to make a demanding everyday life fit in with exercising. They see running as an easy way to get through the daily exercise.

The Health Runner

You could rightly say that this group covers a little of all the other groups. Because there are plenty of runners for whom health is a factor, but unlike the other groups, health is the primary reason why people choose to lace up their running shoes and go for a run.
The person who belongs to this group is not social, they are usually the ones who rush off alone.

Source: The Danish Sports Analysis Institute

Season or elite runner?

There are other broader types of runners in Denmark, maybe you can better see yourself as one of them. Maybe you really want to be one of them (read: Elite runner) But sometimes talent and everyday life just put a brake on our dreams.

Elite and competitive runner

If you belong to this group of runners, you must undeniably have some kind of talent as a runner. You must be willing to train many times a week, and the competitive element is an important part of that. You can easily have a good competitive element as an “ordinary runner”, but then you will probably fall into the group of sacrifice and dedication runners. When we talk about competitive runners in this group, they are the ones who can compete in the best ranks in Denmark..
When you are an elite runner, you have a very thorough approach to your race. There it is not just a race for the sake of a race. There is analysis and there is constant optimization in relation to training and competition. An elite runner is ready to sacrifice everything to reach the top.

The season runner

Undeniably the group where injuries occur most frequently. It is the runner who does not see running as their actual sport – perhaps those in this group do not practice any regular form of sport at all. The motivation for running as a seasonal runner can be many, but to name an example, it could be him or her who suddenly realizes that running should help remove the extra 2-3-4 kilos on the side legs before the trip south. And this is where we see a lot of injuries, because it goes far too fast and these runners think that you can increase the intensity quickly. But you have to have patience, and this type of seasonal runner does not have that, unfortunately.
There is also another group of runners that fall under this umbrella. There are lots of runners in Denmark who mainly run in the spring and summer, when the weather is good. And when it gets dark and cold in the fall and winter, they go to the gym and do strength training or maybe keep fit on the spinning bike. This is also a seasonal runner.

Sacrifice and dedication runner

This is where you find the possible “training addicts” Those who have found out that you can run and you can improve. But who then sometimes get into a kind of “training cheese bell” And that can be dangerous to be in. The dedicated runner is willing to make the sacrifices needed in many cases to get the most possible training with the highest intensity. Here there are many who have fallen into the training trap.
Of course, there are also many – many more fortunately – runners in this group who are positive dedicated runners. This is the type of runner who lives well with a long-term goal. Here we train to get better at a given distance. We may train towards a culmination in the form of a race. The most commonly used running distances for a dedicated runner are the marathon and half marathon. And for those who are here, it is often not enough to simply complete it.

Everyday and the passion runner

It is the steady runner who lives very well with the fact that running has become their sport. Running is an everyday thing where the person does it for the sake of energy and well-being. Here you have the type of runner who, when you ask them, says they run 2-3 times a week or when it suits them. The types in this group also participate in some forms of exercise running, of course, but they are not completely passionate about “beating themselves” or getting a good time. It is more the social aspect of such a run that appeals to them.

The more specific types of running in Denmark

Here we are more concerned with the adjective runners. You have certainly met them yourself, maybe not all of them, but at least some of them. If you are the type who participates in exercise runs around the Danish country, then the probability that you have met more than 5 of the following types of runners is quite high.

The shy runner

We all know that runner. He or she is the one who runs and looks down at the ground. Not up. It’s almost a little written rule these days that you send a little nod to those you meet (probably mostly a trend where there aren’t many runners – around the lakes in Copenhagen you probably don’t do it, because then you could do nothing but run and nod). But this type of runner doesn’t do that.

The flirtatious runner

Can you be scored on a run? If you are in doubt whether it was a little sultry smile or maybe a seductive wink you got there from the person who passed you. The scoring runner is definitely out there, and for some, it can make the run even more challenging and exciting.

The flawless runner

The one who isn’t afraid to show skin. And maybe even sometimes wears tights that are a little too short or runs completely shirtless. You’ll quickly discover that this type of runner is the one who has something to show off. It’s the one with the very visible six-pack or the one with the perfect body.

The exaggerated lips

This is the runner who can’t get enough. The run doesn’t satisfy enough, so they have to “overdo it” with the exercises they add. If he or she hits a traffic light, they do angel jumps or lunges. They can’t run because a bench without doing a push-up off it. These runners definitely get a lot out of their run.

The sweating runner

He or she can’t help it (I’m one of them myself) but there are just some who sweat more than others. This type of runner has one clear advantage. It always looks like they’ve run incredibly hard, even if they’ve only run 2km and are still insanely energetic.

The “delicious” runner

This runner is someone who cares more about their appearance than the actual run. It is important that the clothes match the shoes and that the hair is done correctly. Here, the running aspect comes second.

The noisy runner

Fortunately, there are differences between all of us runners. And there are also these noisy runners. And by noisy we mean those with very noticeable breathing. Yes, let’s be honest, there are some who groan and snort like a tired ox.

The electronic runner

It’s him or her (probably mostly him) where you can hardly see who it is that’s running because they’re plastered with electronic aids and gadgets. This runner has a watch, heart rate monitor, headphones, mobile phone, etc. on their body. On the other hand, this type of runner can also analyze their run very precisely when they get home. Their next gadget is most likely the little gadget that also runs the run for them.

The forgetful runner

You don’t see them that often, but there are the type of runners who have forgotten their running shoes. The so-called barefoot runners. Some runners are of the opinion (and that may well be true) that the body’s own shock absorption is the same as the artificial shock absorption you get from your running shoes. But still, running on rough asphalt in bare feet must sting a little in the soles of your feet?

Friend the runners

The two friends who are out running. Yes, they have at least put on their running gear, but basically the trip is mostly about talking.

The deaf runner

The one who doesn’t notice a single thing going on around them. They either have music playing too loud in their in-ear headphones, or they run with ear muffs so big that no sound gets through to them. Difficult to communicate with if you come running up from behind and just want to draw attention to yourself.

The annoying runner

This slightly over-exuberant runner who, at a half marathon distance, around the 19km mark, passes you without it looking like he or she has run at all. At the same time, they don’t let the chance to “cheer on you” pass them by. Some people really like it, others hate it.

The dying runner

The opposite of the over-exuberant runner. This person looks like someone who is about to put away their clogs during their entire run. You know the type who is extremely tired, and maybe even has gone a bit pale in the face and has very prominent eyes. This is the type of runner.

The stiff runner

Not stiff, as in drunk. But completely stiff in their posture. Him or her where there is no elastic expression at all when they run. It somehow looks strange. But these runners in the vast majority of cases can’t “do it” It’s probably an injury that’s bothering them somewhere in their legs or back.

The dog-walking runner

Those who have to take their dog out for a run. There’s nothing wrong with that, and yet we all know the type of dog walker who thinks they have a right to the entire trail. The one who takes up all of it because the dog has to be on a leash and has to run 1½ meters next to its owner. That way, the rest of us can of course get some hurdle practice.
These runners can also run without their dog on a leash, and that’s probably even worse. Those who don’t really like a big, panting, licking and jumping dog feel anxious every time they meet this dog-walking runner.

The costumed runner

Not so much in everyday life, but if you have run some fitness runs then you are sure to have come across him or her who completes in his or her costume. It is almost only the imagination that sets the limits here. Is it a half marathon in a dress and white? Or the 21 kilometers wearing a firefighter’s suit. There are also the slightly more advanced (and warm) costumes where he or she runs in a suit that also covers the head completely. Phew, they must be hot in there. I hope this type of runner doesn’t combine with the “sweating runner”

The cheating runner

We just go for a run. We put on our smart running clothes and off we go. But instead of running, it all ends with a walk in the open air. So maybe it’s a bit of an exaggeration to call these types runners?

The singing runner

It’s cool enough to meet this type of runner if it’s someone who can actually sing – but that’s very rare. But here we meet him or her who has let themselves be carried away by the atmosphere from the headphones and sings along. That’s okay, but sometimes you’re not quite aware of how loud you’re singing along. And that can be both great fun for your fellow runners, but also quite annoying.

The watch-watching runner

The type who is constantly running and looking at their running watch or heart rate monitor. There can be many reasons why people look at their watch. But this is where you will find the type of runners who use their watch tointerval training for example. By definition, you have to adhere to the intervals set in your training, and it’s easiest if you look at the watch every now and then.

The list is of course not exhaustive, and if you have any that are missing from the list, you are always more than welcome to make your suggestion. There may well be some obvious types that we have forgotten or overlooked in this article.